Maria “Mary” (Bernardi) DeCarolis

LEOMINSTER – Maria "Mary" (Bernardi) DeCarolis, 88, of Leominster, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 21, surrounded by family.
Mary was born on July 28, 1934, in Corfinio, Italy, the Province of Aquila, the daughter of Vincenzo and Theresa (DiNinno) Bernardi. 
She immigrated from Italy in 1948 and made her home in Leominster. She attended Lancaster Street School, where she made lifelong friends. 
Mary worked at the former Foster Grant Company before owning Nano's Restaurant, along with her husband, for 17 years. Later working at Plastican, Inc., before her retirement.
Her family was blessed to have her wonderful Italian cooking, cherished recipes, holidays, and family gatherings. She baked the best Italian cookies and loved sharing them. 
Mary was a loyal friend and enjoyed her Friday lunch dates with ""the girls"", playing cards and Rumikub, trips to Foxwoods, and enjoying a cup of coffee and time together. Mary was blessed to spend time with her sister in Florida every Winter and visiting their birthplace in Corfinio. 
She cheered on her family whether it was sporting events, dance recitals, or educational achievements. 
Mary was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
She was a woman of faith, a devoted member of St. Anna Parish, where she attended weekly Mass and helped with Lenten fish dinners. 
Mary was a cherished mother to her children, Stephen DeCarolis and his wife, Donna of Leominster; Cheryl Cuddahy of Leominster; and Diane Burkhardt and her husband, Robert. She was a loving sister to Lillian Clementi. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, Michael DeCarolis and wife, Gina; Mia Arcella and husband, Dave; Joseph DeCarolis and wife, Emily; Haley Cuddahy, Brennan Cuddahy, Olivia Cuddahy, and Edward Cuddahy Jr.; Johnathan Burkhardt and wife, Megan; Abbey Burkhardt, and fiancée, Sam Yost and Emma Burkhardt; along with her seven great-grandchildren, Sofia and Carina DeCarolis, James, Joseph and Catherine Arcella, Isaac DeCarolis and Brody Burkhardt. Mary was blessed to have many nieces and nephews, who she adored. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Angelo ""Nano"" DeCarolis; and a brother, Pelino Bernardi.
She was a beautiful and strong woman, who loved her Italian heritage and family traditions. Mary touched the lives of everyone who met her. She will be deeply missed.
Calling hours, at Richardson Funeral Home, will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, from 4 until 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Anna Parish, 199 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial to follow in St. Leo's Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anna Parish, 199 Lancaster St., Leominster. 

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